BIOS unlocked with more menu’s: https://www.bios-mods.com/ join forum make enquiries regarding unlocking your particular systems BIOS version, (may not have a fix, no harm in asking!) Make a donation as a thank you when successful.

DIY eGpu Setup 1.35: https://egpu.io/egpu-setup-13x/ creates a second item in your boot menu, for trouble shooting and setting up your (new) system. You will be emailed with link to program and instructions. Well worth the $15. (Price at time document created).
This is a guide to how I got my project up and running using the EXP GDC/mPCIe version, (left out the stuff where I went wrong) follow at your own ‘peril’! I suspect if you have similar specs to mine you should be successful. I gathered up the following.

ONE

ATX PSU = Paper clip trick! Installed into the 24-20pin connector, looking vertically with the tab on the right inserted paper clip in the 4th & 5th down on the right side (green & black). This is to confuse the PSU in thinking it is attached to a motherboard!

TWO

EXP GDC = purchase the correct version in relation to how you intend to connect it to your

laptop (mPCIe, NGFF/M.2 or Express card), the PTD switch I set in the middle

. THREE

I connected these together = PSU, Graphics, EXP GDC & External Monitor all connected up and running as per instructions (used an old tower chassis, but NOT connected to laptop yet)

The next stages should (hopefully) get you through to the end of these notes with your laptop display actually viewed on the extra monitor via the EXP GDC & Graphics card of your choice.

As, we proceed the next stages find that we will go against some of these recommendations, which will ‘void’ any warranties, shouldn’t damage anything as, my gear is still working!. You are still under no obligation to continue and in the same boat as me, as I have done the same. I am NOT responsible for your actions, you continue at your own risk.

Laptop (b.) = At this point your BIOS may be holding you back. Check for an updated one from the manufacturer, download and re-flash(with original backed up) it as per their instructions.

BIOS = I updated Bios with new menu’s but, after trial and error, I found that I only needed

to disable the ‘PXE boot to LAN’.

Laptop (c.) = Still having problems (I did), the next was from further advice from forums: start laptop (not yet connected to your rig) with wireless card still connected, once in windows, open device manager and see that the wireless card is there.

Now, as my laptop has its removable/upgradeable components under one easy access panel, I proceeded (hopefully yours is too). Removed bottom panel, unplugged the antenna from the wireless card and carefully removed the card and connected the mPCIe in its place.

I replaced bottom panel ‘loosely’ so it does not ‘pinch’ HDMI cable. I will eventually cut a suitable hole/slot for the cable later-ish. Some have found ways to route the cable or remove their CD/DVD device to feed it through, so they then can tuck the cable away when not in use, choice is yours!

Look in device manager and the wireless card should have gone and no errors. Rebooted and ensured no errors. Shut down laptop & connecting the HDMI end of the adapter to the EXP GDC (rig) and got the reboots again with black screens. Rebooted, without the cable attached to EXP GDC (rig).

Then rebooted as instructed, on reboot I now have two options after the ‘BIOS’ loaded: ‘Windows 7 (or your version of windows) or DIY eGPU Setup 1.35’. Selected Windows.

I watched Nando’s ‘Configuration Walkthrough’ video demonstrating how he set up the DIY eGPU Setup 1.35 on his machine and I wrote down all his steps/selections.

After forming this script, where his particular components are entered or selected, I amended to show my components details. (see annex 1), this is my setup, you may need to enter your machines details!

Five

Connected HDMI end to EXP GDC, leaving the mPCIe end dangling! Rebooted, and press F12/F8 to pause boot, quickly ‘hot plug’ (everything is on) the mPCIe end to the empty WiFi connector in laptop, then select setup 1.35 and follow document at annex.

Once completed, try a reboot into windows, if black screen, disconnect HDMI end, load windows then reconnect HDMI. Open device manager, should now show ‘VGA device or your graphics card’.

You now need to load drivers for your graphics card, download or CD/DVD.